Half Dollar Coins

The U.S. Congress authorized the Half Dollar in 1792 as one of America’s original coins. The size and silver weight of the coin was based on the Spanish 4 Reales coin, which was valued at one-half of the 8 Reales Silver Dollar (also known as a “piece of eight”). The Half Dollar was struck in .8924 silver until 1836 when the composition changed slightly to .900 silver. The .900 silver Half Dollar continued to be struck until 1964; the level of silver changed to .400 in 1965, and all Half Dollars minted for circulation since 1971 have been struck in copper-nickel. The .400 silver Half Dollars were the only U.S. coins ever made for circulation using this silver composition. more..